Falls Risks and Hazards
for the Elderly

Falls Risks and Hazards for the Elderly

2 February 2021

The risk of falling seems minor. After all, we’ve all fallen at some point in our lives. The aftermath is usually a small scrape and a bruised ego. But elderly fall hazards are a big issue. As we age, the risk of serious injury from falling goes up greatly. It is estimated that one in every three adults age 65 and over falls every year.

Falls Risks and Hazards for the Elderly

Fall Risks for the Elderly

The majority of injuries in the elderly are caused by fall hazards. Some of these injuries are minor cuts and scrapes. But between 20 and 30 percent of falls result in moderate to severe injuries, such as hip fractures or head trauma. Injuries from falls are the main cause of accidental death in older people.

Elderly Fall Hazards

There are a number of factors that contribute to elderly slip and fall accidents. One is environmental fall hazards. About one-third of falls in the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home. Most of these falls happen when seniors trip over objects on the floor, such as loose rug corners.

Another factor is the normal changes that come with aging. Worsening eyesight, impaired balance, and osteoporosis can all make falls more likely.

Medication is another leading cause of falls in the elderly. Certain medications or combinations of medications can cause dizziness and balance problems. Some medications for depression and certain sedatives are two types of medication that can have these side effects.

How to Prevent Falls in the Elderly

Seniors cannot recover from a fall trauma as quickly or effectively as a younger person might. Besides the possibility of serious injury, there is the risk of serious psychological impact from a fall. When an elderly person falls, it can lead them to develop a fear of falling. This fear causes them to limit their physical activity, which can in turn cause them to fall again.

Fall Hazard Prevention

Consult your GP to identify medications that may cause falls related to balance and dizziness, and discuss treatment options.

Exercise regularly. Physical activities such as dancing, water activities, Tai Chi, and walking can help keep up balance and coordination.

Wear sensible shoes such as tennis. House slippers are floppy and smooth-soled.

Add lamps and nightlights to corners, bathrooms and stairways. If you can see it, you probably won’t trip over it.

Install grab bars in bathrooms, and double handrails on stairways.

Reduce hazards around the house such as raised carpet edges, magazine stands, coffee tables, and plants that can be tripping hazards.

Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower, and non-slip treads on wooden stairs.

Visit the doctor regularly to check for glaucoma, hearing loss, foot pain, or other problems that can cause balance problems.

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